I know the feeling of accomplishment when it comes to weight loss. I, myself, have lost around 40lbs in the past, and unfortunately, need to do so again. And although I don't put much stock in "New Years' Resolutions," I've been doing very good with my diet and exercise since January first.
Question: Do you think that using an external goal such as wardrobe is healthy being your main motivational tool? I read this whole thread and it seems that health has rarely entered in as a reason for this life change. I don't want to be negative, rather I submit that health as a deeper motivational tool may help you get through days where wardrobe alone isn't enough to carry you through.
It is possible, however, that wardrobe is just a more immediately visible yardstick for your progress on making yourself healthy. This is more realistic. The same tactic is evident for people who get obsessed with the number of pounds (or kilos) they weigh.
For example, I used to keep a weight loss journal. Every morning I would wiegh myself and record the weight. I would also weigh myself throughout the day, and record the "lowest" weight in another column. This way I had a daily log, and an "all time low" record, which was something to strive for, getting my daily low lower than my all time low.
The problem with this scenario is that it is easy to be discouraged. Say I had a great day dieting and exercising, but I gained a half a pound. That's discouraging! You never know what your body is doing. Maybe I'm fighting a cold and retaining extra water, therefor I'm heavier.
I feel like I've gotten a little off topic, but I guess my point is: Don't let a day or two discourage your efforts. The closer you get to your goal, the slower the progress will come, and the less noticable it will be.
So congrats on the progress so far and the progress to come.
Oh, and to comment on your question about why many people are not using this method to lose weight...
It takes commitment. So many people are afraid of failing, that they are not willing to throw away their bigger clothes. What if they can't lose weight? Worse, what if they GAIN weight? Then they have to buy ANOTHER wardrobe.
By committing to get rid of your larger clothes, you have eliminated failure as an option.
It's pretty amazing how much we can all learn from analyzing decisions that seem simple on the surface
Keep up the good work!
-Jesse